Hypoxia regulates the expression of fatty acid-binding proteins in primary term human trophoblasts

Objective Fatty acids (FAs) are essential for fetal development. Cellular FA uptake is modulated by fatty acid–binding proteins (FABPs). We hypothesized that hypoxia regulates the expression of FABPs in human trophoblasts. Study Design Primary term human trophoblasts were cultured for 72 hours in either standard (O 2 = 20%) or hypoxic (O 2 Results We detected the expression of FABP1, -3, -4, -5, and pm but not FABP2 or FABP6-9 subtypes in trophoblasts. Exposure to hypoxia markedly increased lipid droplet accumulation in trophoblasts. Consistent with this observation, hypoxia enhanced the expression of FABP1, -3, and -4. Lastly, agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ enhanced the expression of FABP1 and -4 in trophoblasts. Conclusion Hypoxia enhances the expression of FABP1, -3, and -4 in term human trophoblasts, suggesting that FABPs support fat accumulation in the hypoxic placenta.